Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida replaced 11 of his 19 ministers on Wednesday in a bid to boost the government’s popularity ahead of 2024 party elections and amid speculation about a possible dissolution of Congress.
The new appointments involve five women, including former Justice Minister Yoko Kamikawa, who will now hold the foreign affairs portfolio, according to Japanese news agency Kyodo News.
One of the new names is that of former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s special adviser, Minoru Kihara, who will take over Defense.
Health is assigned to Keizo Takemi, Reconstruction to Shinako Tschiya and the Agriculture portfolio is reserved for Ichiro Miyashita.
The growing dissatisfaction is mainly due to problems with the national identity card system and rising prices, which have not been accompanied by salary increases.
Kishida decided to retain ministers he considers important for the stability of the government, including Finance Chief Shunichi Suzuki, Chief of Staff and Government Spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno, and Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura. And he also retained the seat of Digital Affairs Minister Taro Kono.
Source: DN
